โขFrom left: Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, Executive Director, Sahara Group, Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, Managing Director, Sahara Group, Emmanuel Magani and Company Secretariat Manager, Sahara Group, Ifeanyi Madubuike at the unveiling of the Sahara Group 2023 Sustainability Report in Lagos Nigeria
Strategic investment in gas assets and infrastructure, Integration of Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction through Nature-Based Solutions are strategies that will drive Sahara Groupโs net zero plan, Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability has said.
According to a statement, while speaking at the launch of the energy conglomerateโs 2023 Sustainability Report, titled, โDimensioning the Energy Transition: Path to Net Zero,โ Gray said the three-pronged strategy reinforces Saharaโs commitment towards a more sustainable future, with 2060 as the net zero target for Saharaโs operations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
โThis sustainability report underscores our steadfast commitment to addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors across our diverse operations along the energy value chain. As a business, we showcase a multifaceted strategy to minimise our environmental impact. This includes various initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, optimise energy efficiency, and responsibly manage resources,โ she said.
According to Gray, Sahara Group acknowledges the role of natural gas as a crucial bridge fuel and is already expanding investments in gas to ensure energy security while taking tangible steps towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner energy mix by launching pilot solar projects.She noted that in pursuit of emissions reduction, Sahara Group embraced nature-based solutions through investments and partnerships in reforestation and conservation projects.
โOur partnership with Treedom exemplifies this commitment, with the planting of 2,000 trees in Cameroon and Kenya expected to absorb a substantial 900,000 tonnes of CO2 over the next decade,โ she added.
Sahara Groupโs path to net-zero emissions has been tiered into distinct phases. In the short term (2022-2030), the focus will be on reducing carbon footprint through initiatives like fleet electrification, cycling programmes, and energy efficiency measures. In the medium term (2031-2040), Sahara will look to further diversify its energy portfolio and increase investments in renewable energy projects. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 through offsetting any remaining emissions through nature-based solutions and other carbon reduction initiatives.Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, said the reportโs comprehensive scope encompasses various affiliates within the Sahara Group, including Asharami Energy, Sahara Trade, Asharami Synergy, Egbin Power, First Independent Power Limited, Ikeja Electric, and the Sahara Group Foundation.Obioma said Saharaโs upstream operations recorded reduction in carbon footprint and exceptional host community relations which led to the implementation of impactful projects focused on enhancing livelihoods, education, and healthcare.
โLaunching our Gas to Power project, providing 24-hour electricity to the Ajoki Community in Edo Stateโa first-of-its-kind initiative, achieving ISO 20400 certification for sustainable procurement and recording a remarkable 3 million Lost Time Injury (LTI) free man-hours, underscores our dedication to both social impact and operational safety,โ he said.
He said Sahara also achieved successful outcomes from its midstream, downstream, and power businesses through substantial reductions in carbon emissions, focus on operational efficiency, and implementation of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures.